STORMBRINGER

DP proved they could survive without the triple octave scream and innuendo-fueled lyrics of Ian Gillan with Burn. However, Stormbringer showed tensions and proved that Ritchie Blackmore does not work well with others. The real surprise here is the addition of lightweight funk courtesy of bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes. As if it wasn't weird enough when middle class white Englishmen started playing the blues, now they've added funk to the repetoire? Still, every time you listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Primus, you have this man to thank.

The highlights are the fun title track, "Soldier of Fortune," "Lady Double Dealer," and "Holy Man," which features Glenn on lead vocals. It doesn't amtch up to the fiery intensity of Burn (no pun intended), but it's a fun Purple album nonetheless.

Funk didn't gel with Blackmore's neo-classical shredding however, and he quite objectively dubbed the album "shoeshine music" and, rather eloquently, "crap." He decided to quit his band and form Rainbow after seizing control of DP's support band Elf. After some tweaking (meaning firing everyone but Ronnie James Dio and hiring session gods Cozy Powell, Don Airey, and Jimmy Bain), Rainbow emerged and pumped out the neo-classical that fans expected, and became the blueprint band for early power metal. But for now, sit back and enjoy the lighter side of Deep Purple.

Grade: C